The Warwickshire women's side went down fighting against reigning champions Surrey on day one of the Inter-County Tennis Championship at Eastbourne.

Kenilworth's Jo Keene and Lucy Wood of Harborne, the Warwick-shire third pair, never got into their stride in the blustery conditions against highly-experienced opposition.

Once again, last year's heroines, Solihull's Claire Lyte and Luisa Cowper from Four Oaks proved the most successful partnership, winning two out of their three matches, including an enthralling straight-sets win against their opposite numbers Chryssie Tee and junior international Cristelle Grier.

Captain Katie Shaw from King's Heath and former international Leyla Ogan (Solihull) lost all three rubbers, despite twice going to three sets, including an outstanding performance against the Surrey firsts, national champion Hannah Collin and doubles special-ist Lorna Woodroffe.

While Surrey are already looking the team to beat, the four other sides look well matched. South Wales whom Warwickshire face today, beat the weakened Leicestershire side 5-4, while Essex defeated Yorkshire by the same margin.

With former British No 1 Louise Latimer from Sutton Coldfield arriving tomorrow to strengthen the side for its last three matches, the Midlanders who could still spring a few surprises.

Inter-County Tennis Championship (Group 1): Surrey beat Warwickshire 7-2 (Warwickshire scores first) K.Shaw and L.Ogan lost to H.Collin and L.Woodroffe 2-6 6-2 2-6, lost to C.Tee and C.Grier 5-7 3-6, lost to A. Napier and J.Smith 3-6 6-2 1-6 L.Cowper and C.Lyte: lost to Collin and Wood 2-6 3-6, beat Tee and Grier 6-4 6-4, beat Napier and Smith 6-2 7-5 J.Keene and L.Wood lost to Collin and Woodroffe 1-6 1-6, lost to Tee and Grier 1-6 1-6, lost to Napier and Smith 2-6 1-6.